What term describes the systematic exclusion of certain groups from opportunities and rights due to societal functions?

The concept of institutional discrimination refers to the policies and practices within social institutions that systematically disadvantage certain groups while privileging others. This type of discrimination is deeply embedded in the structures of society, including education, law, employment, and healthcare. Unlike individual acts of prejudice, institutional discrimination is often subtle and perpetuated by social norms and organizational practices that create barriers to equal access and opportunities.

For example, institutional discrimination can manifest through hiring practices that favor certain demographics over others, unequal access to quality education based on socioeconomic status or race, or laws that disadvantage minority groups. Because these discriminatory practices are interwoven within the fabric of institutions, they can be difficult to detect and dismantle, leading to long-lasting disparities in rights and opportunities.

The other terms, while related to social issues, do not capture the systemic and structured nature of this form of exclusion as accurately. Structural exclusion may imply a broader understanding but does not specifically address the role institutions play. Social inequality refers to the unequal distribution of resources and opportunities but does not specifically indicate that such inequality arises from institutional practices. Systematic bias can indicate a pattern of unfairness but lacks the specificity and context that "institutional discrimination" provides regarding how these patterns manifest within societal structures.